Thomas Cook to close 24 stores country-wide

Thomas Cook has begun a 90-day consultation with over 100 staff after announcing plans to close 24 high street shops around the UK.

The company has revealed that no decisions about redundancies will be made until after the consultation, but they are hoping to minimise impact on customers and colleagues.

Ian Ailles, Thomas Cook UK mainstream chief executive explains: “Our high street stores are the most popular way for customers to book with us and an essential part of our multi-channel approach, alongside websites and sales centres.”

“However, there are times, like today, when we will propose closing a small number of individual stores to remain effective in this competitive environment.

“We will do all that we can to minimise the impact on affected customers and colleagues.”

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Thomas Cook is currently holding three consultations, including a formal consultation with Thomas Cook Airlines staff in Manchester where it plans 250 job cuts as it axes six aircraft from the UK fleet for this winter.

In other developments the operator has revealed plans to extend their working hours at calls centres in Peterborough and Falkirk, which would involve Thomas Cook employees working Sundays and in the evenings until 10pm.